Cooler temperatures are on the way As fall approaches, you can feel a difference in the air. There is an underlying coolness now that will become steadily colder towards winter. Outdoor activities diminish and soon the indoor fireplace will replace the sun as our source of warmth. Utility bills take a seasonal jump This cold weather takes it's toll on the energy budget as well. But keeping your home warm and cozy doesn't have to break the bank. The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and home improvements for conserving heat and saving money.     Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Properly maintain the heating system. Install a programmable thermostat. Seal and insulate heating ducts. Insulate everywhere; walls, ceilings, floors and crawlspace... 10/25/2008

A lunch hot spot in Fife You might imagine a " business lunch " taking place in a more sophisticated atmosphere. But you would have to ask yourself, does it get any better than this? A great cheeseburger, fries, and a malt enjoyed in a park-like setting on a bright sunny September day. I hope you agree, this was perfect. The Pick-Quick Drive in has been here almost 50 years serving great food to an appreciative crowd. I have never been the first one in line, this place is always busy. With the sunny morning today, customers began to arrive at 10am. Whether for business or pleasure, the next time you're near Fife, stop in for a pleasurable experience. They have an extensive menu, and there is something for everyone. Two other great local drive in places are nearby. Dick's drive-in has se... 10/24/2008

When buying a home select the location first Your first thought about buying a home may be an idea in your mind of the perfect home. Maybe a white one with a small yard and a picket fence with a flower covered trellis at the entry gate. That's a good thought but let's start at the beginning. Determine what's important Finding a home that fits your needs will depend on your situation, but once you have determined your city of choice, look for the neighborhoods that best suit you and your family. If schools are important, then you will need to research all the schools in the area so that you can buy within the best school district. There are many school research sources available but you can begin with school search. Your real estate agent will also be a great source of information. You ... 10/24/2008

Could you live here? The architect who designed these homes thinks you should live here, if you want to live a longer life. The "Reversible Destiny" loft-style apartments in the photograph are in Mitaka, Japan and not in the Seattle area. The artist/designer is 71 year old Arakawa and he is convinced that these homes influence longevity. Who is to say he's not right. " For Arakawa, reversible destiny is more than a state of mind. He describes the experience of elderly residents of the building in Japan after living in the home and having to navigate the awkward living spaces, as boosting their immune system and improving their overall health". Maybe these day-to day challenges could improve strength, balance and longevity, time will tell. For more information on Mr. Arakawa and a look a... 10/24/2008

Are home libraries making a comeback? Recently, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the home library. Architects and fine home builders say that clients are asking for libraries or "special places" to relax in their new homes. Some mass-market builders have included libraries in their house plans, some with built-in bookshelves, rolling ladders and circular stairs. In order to keep costs in line in some scaled-down homes, builders have replaced the large entry foyer and sweeping staircase with beautiful libraries as a space saving technique. They create an upscale look without wasting space. Even though book sales in the U.S. reached $16.6 billion last year, reading rates are down. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, 5% of Americans said they read literature i... 10/23/2008

We need time to think things out I previously wrote about home libraries as a place of solace, a place to quietly recharge. There are other ways to escape and dream or plan for the future. One of my favorites is a brisk 30 minute walk. It used to be a run but " a man has to know his limitations", and I know mine. You can take a walk anywhere in just about any weather, just dress accordingly. When I did run, I never wore a headset and always wondered why anyone would. For me, this was the perfect time to "zone out", and sort out all the issues of the day. My time to think clearly and be alone with the rhythmic pace and breathing of the run. I always felt satisfied that I accomplished what I set out to do, improve body and mind. Everyone should find their place of quiet contentment. Wheth... 10/23/2008

Most value for your dollar According to a recent survey money goes further in some places than it does in others. This may come as no surprise but it's interesting to see the cities involved. Housing is the most affordable in the Midwest and South because of less stringent building restrictions, abundance of land in some areas and growing populations. Forbes magazine calculated the ratios between a city's median home price and it's median income to determine the cities that offered the best quality of life for the least amount of money. Certainly not an in-depth study, but interesting to think about.  Here are the 10 cities that Forbes found to offer the best and worst values. Cities where residents get the most value . Austin, Texas San Antonio, Texas Indianapolis, Ind. Houston, Texas ... 10/23/2008

Like sand through an hourglass time is running out. If you are considering a home purchase in Kent or any where else for that matter FHA will be adjusting their down payment requirements soon. FHA loans are one of the few products still available to buyers with moderate down payment requirements. This will all change on January 1, 2009, just over two months away. Currently, FHA requires a buyer to make a 3% total investment in a home purchase. After January of next year the minimum required investment will be 3.5% and the entire amount must go towards the down payment. This means that closing costs will be required in addition to the 3.5% down payment. FHA loans have become very popular over the past year because of their low down payment requirements, and will continue to be one of the... 10/23/2008

On November 14th, 2008 at 7:00 at 25664 104th Ave. S.E. Kent, WA we will be hosting a benefit "Girls nite out".  We are inviting people from the community and beyond for an evening of fun.  There will be shopping, shopping and more shopping. From purses, make-up, jewelry, candles, and more, we will have it all just in time for Christmas. Also on hand will be service providers, manicures, messages, pedicures, aroma therapy and more.  Oh, and I forgot, "Food and Drink".  Don't miss this special event!  I look forward to a great turn out.  Let me know if your interested in attending. P.S.  If you know of a vendor that would like to participate please give them my email address.  The more the marry. janet@thehegsethhometeam.com 10/19/2008

Kent, Washington, Real Estate: Photo GalleryDescriptionThis home is wonderful! There is a large yard that gets both sun & shade but if it gets too hot just go inside and turn on the air conditioning. Heated by gas in the winter with a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen is spacious and has Silestone quartz counters with maple cabinetry. New carpeting is just the beginning. There are oak hardwood floors under that carpet! The main bathroom is also very spacious with all new fixtures (tub, toilette & sink). All the hardwood, including light fixtures, faucets, door knobs, door hinges, cabinet pulls.....ALL match. This just shows the thoroughness of the contractor. Square footage is 1339, great for saving energy! Call me, Julianna Hind 206-679-4768 for a private showing, or visit my Open Ho... 08/22/2008

It's Great to be in Kent in the Summer!  Summer is a wonderful time of year in Kent, Washington. Located between Seattle and Tacoma, a stone's throw away from Puget Sound, Kent began its life as an agricultural town; today, it is a growing commercial center. Summer weather is gorgeous most days - a little rain, a little more sun, temperatures in the 70s - perfect for outdoor activities. And there are plenty of activities to choose from.  Everyone knows that the 4th of July is one of the most popular holidays in the US. This year, residents of Kent will once again enjoy the 4th of July Splash! at Lake Meridian Park. Families will bring the kids and the grandparents and meet with friends to enjoy a day filled with games, classic cars, and entertainment. And of course, with all that water,... 06/20/2008

Another Great find at Chair and Trellis at Kent Station!I want to share with you another great find... a slipcovered parsons chair that has a totally "fitted" look... how is it done? The manufacturers of this chair actually use hook and loop tape and secure tailored slips underneath the chair for a totally customized look that can be interchanged for different patterns and colors... VERY EASY ON STORAGE SPACE... and a great way to change the look of your room! I love these for STAGING, and gotta have a pair for myself for LIVING as well!Before...no slip ;-) Ater... Slip... and all dressed up to impress!The "edge" is trimmed with fabric-covered cording, for a upholstered, finished look! This is how it looks in the room...Thanks for visiting my blog!- Juliannahttp://www.roomspinners.com   05/03/2008

Real Estate Market Activity (As of February 5th  2008)                       Maple Valley/Black Diamond (MLS Area 320) Single Family HomesMonths of Inventory: 13 Average Days On Market: 106Inventory of Active Listings: 454Average List Price: $471,075Average Sale Price: $393,978 CondominiumsMonths of Inventory: 2 Average Days On Market: 77Inventory of Active Listings: 8 Average List Price: $311,558Average Sale Price: $324,488 Kent (MLS 330) Single Family HomesMonths of Inventory: 13Average Days on Market: 107Inventory of Active Listings: 615Average List Price: $436,945Average Sale Price: $364,700 Condominiums Months of Inventory: 13.8Average Days on Market: 76Inventory of Active Listings: 152Average List Price: $238,409Average Sale Price: $210,313 Renton/Benson Highlands (MLS Area 340) S... 02/05/2008

Hey Since this is my very first day...how about suggestions from all you seasoned active rainists!!!!Being a REALTOR in the south end of King county, I feel a bit lost in the archives!  THERE are over 8500 agents in this county alone... for every person I know , they know 1-2 other agents as well.. HELP... How does one get past the barrier?  02/04/2008

Real Estate Market Activity (As of January 28st  2008)                       Maple Valley/Black Diamond (MLS Area 320)  Single Family HomesMonths of Inventory: 14 (up from 13)Average Days On Market: 107 Inventory of Active Listings: 449 (up from 439)Average List Price: $472,554 (up from $469,542)Average Sale Price: $384,747 (up from $384,170 CondominiumsMonths of Inventory: 2 (down from 4)Average Days On Market: 80 (down from 83)Inventory of Active Listings: 8 Average List Price: $305,804(up  from $297,475)Average Sale Price: $315,125 (up from $260,250) Kent (MLS 330)  Single Family HomesMonths of Inventory: 14 (up from 11)Average Days on Market: 106 (down from 107)Inventory of Active Listings: 617 (up from 600)Average List Price: $442,171 (down from $445,640)Average Sale Price: $369,71... 01/28/2008

Real Estate Market Activity (As of January 21st  2008) Maple Valley/Black Diamond (MLS Area 320)Single Family HomesMonths of Inventory: 13Average Days On Market: 107 (up from 105)Inventory of Active Listings: 439 (down from 444)Average List Price: $469,542 (up from $463,547)Average Sale Price: $389,170 (up from $353,443)CondominiumsMonths of Inventory: 4 (down from 7)Average Days On Market: 83 (down from 85)Inventory of Active Listings: 8 (up from 7)Average List Price: $297,475(down from $303,544)Average Sale Price: $260,250 (up from $229,500)Kent (MLS 330)Single Family HomesMonths of Inventory: 11 (down from 12)Average Days on Market: 107 ( up from 106)Inventory of Active Listings: 600 (down from 607)Average List Price: $445,640 (down from $446,535)Average Sale Price: $369,286 (down fr... 01/21/2008

Yesterday afternoon was so delightful I still have a buzz.  I went out to my old Kent neighborhood (where I have a rental property) and passed out calendars to my neighbors.  Many I knew, some I had not met.  It really was fun catching up with the ones I did know.  Several of the people I didn't know invited me in and we had a good visit--talking about how long they have lived there and their lives and their neighbors.  It had gotten dark and it was raining and they liked talking.  One of the ladies I know very well, recently lost her husband and I had actually made the trip out to see her.  I knocked on her door and her dogs didn't bark so I stuck the calendar through the little doggie door.  When I had gotten three miles away I get this call asking why I hadn't stopped in.  I explain... 01/13/2008

Real Estate Market Activity (As of November 12, 2007) Maple Valley/Black Diamond (MLS Area 320)Single Family HomesAverage Days On Market: 84Inventory of Active Listings: 508Average List Price: $443,716Average Sale Price: $417,799CondominiumsAverage Days On Market: 74Inventory of Active Listings: 8Average List Price: $300,190Average Sale Price: $284,437Kent (MLS 330)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 79Inventory of Active Listings: 725Average List Price: $410,613Average Sale Price: $382,483Condominiums Average Days on Market: 54Inventory of Active Listings: 151Average List Price: $234,001Average Sale Price: $227,441Renton/Benson Highlands (MLS Area 340)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 72Inventory of Active Listings: 350Average List Price: $419,568Average Sale Price: $39... 11/12/2007

Real Estate Market Activity (As of November 6, 2007) Maple Valley/Black Diamond (MLS Area 320)Single Family HomesAverage Days On Market: 83Inventory of Active Listings: 501Average List Price: $442,637Average Sale Price: $417,799CondominiumsAverage Days On Market: 72Inventory of Active Listings: 7Average List Price: $299,976Average Sale Price: $281,045Kent (MLS 330)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 77Inventory of Active Listings: 714Average List Price: $411,457Average Sale Price: $382,720Condominiums Average Days on Market: 53Inventory of Active Listings: 145Average List Price: $234,070Average Sale Price: $228,042Renton/Benson Highlands (MLS Area 340)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 70Inventory of Active Listings: 362Average List Price: $421,954Average Sale Price: $399... 11/06/2007

Real Estate Market Activity (As of October 29, 2007) Maple Valley/Black Diamond (MLS Area 320)Single Family HomesAverage Days On Market: 82Inventory of Active Listings: 518Average List Price: $444,785Average Sale Price: $417,071CondominiumsAverage Days On Market: 71Inventory of Active Listings: 9Average List Price: $297,754Average Sale Price: $281,045Kent (MLS 330)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 75Inventory of Active Listings: 746Average List Price: $409,078Average Sale Price: $382,544Condominiums Average Days on Market: 55Inventory of Active Listings: 147Average List Price: $234,755Average Sale Price: $227,802Renton/Benson Highlands (MLS Area 340)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 69Inventory of Active Listings: 374Average List Price: $425,319Average Sale Price: $402... 10/29/2007